According to psychosocial theory in the early 1900s, mental disorders were thought to be caused by what?

In the context of psychosocial theory developed in the early 1900s, mental disorders were understood to be influenced significantly by environmental and social factors. This perspective emerged as a reaction to more deterministic views that focused solely on biological or genetic explanations. Psychosocial theorists emphasized that an individual's social environment, life experiences, and interpersonal relationships played crucial roles in shaping mental health.

This approach highlighted the detrimental effects of negative social conditions, such as poverty, lack of supportive relationships, and traumatic experiences on mental well-being. The recognition that mental health is not solely determined by an individual’s biological makeup but also by the social context in which they live paved the way for more holistic approaches in understanding and treating mental disorders.

Other options, while relevant in various contexts, do not capture the essence of early psychosocial theory as clearly as the understanding of environmental and social deprivation. For instance, genetic predisposition relates more to biological theories; cognitive dissonance focuses on psychological discomfort and conflict, and neurological damage pertains to specific physical brain injuries. These concepts did not hold the same weight in the psychosocial framework that emphasized environmental influences.